Competitive Socialising

Where to watch the big game in DC & NYC

By Swingers

We’ve put together a list of the best spots in NYC and DC to get your game on, with a more elevated feel.

Where to watch the big game in DC & NYC

With football season coming to an end, the lineup for this year’s big game on Feb 11th is set in stone.

Not just about football, the half time show is always a hit, and this year won’t be any different. Headlined by 90’s/00’s RnB star, Usher, you’ll want to be watching in a location with the volume boosted to the max!

So, where to watch the deciding game? Bars can get rowdy, and it’s a bit cold for tailgating. We’ve put together a list of the best spots in NYC and DC to get your game on, with a more elevated feel.

 

NYC Spots to watch the big game

J Bespoke

Located discreetly behind the Baynes + Baker bespoke suit shop in Manhattan, J.Bespoke is a sophisticated speakeasy cocktail lounge that combines upscale ambiance with sports programming. Enter through an unmarked gold door to a concealed retreat for sports enthusiasts and their companions, providing an elevated sports viewing experience for cocktail lovers.

Founders Jesse and Eric Jacobs wanted to address an unexplored niche — a refined setting to showcase athletic events in a speakeasy atmosphere. Make sure you reserve your spot in advance – J.Bespoke is limited to only 50 seats. Service is attentive and personalized, resulting in the lounge standing as a luxurious alternative to the city’s more conventional sports bars.

Experienced at hosting sports events on a regular basis, J.Bespoke’s day-to-day focus revolves around New York’s cherished sports teams. Once the evening’s programming concludes, the televisions are discreetly stowed away, allowing the spotlight to shift to cocktails, delectable bites, and captivating music.

Monarch Rooftop

Step into Monarch Rooftop, perched hundreds of feet above West 35th Street in the heart of Herald Square.

Nestled on the 18th floor penthouse, the rooftop lounge seamlessly combines a sophisticated corporate ambiance with a vibrant social setting. Indulge in expertly crafted specialty cocktails, savor delectable bites, and relish unbeatable panoramic views. Experience top-notch table service and hospitality that elevate every moment. 

The football viewing party is a ticketed event, so book now to secure your place – you won’t want to pass it up. Your ticket allows you to indulge in the open bar for an hour, with beer, wine and champagne on offer.

The Empire Rooftop Bar and Restaurant

Another scenic spot, this time perched atop the renowned Empire Hotel, The Empire Rooftop commands stunning views of the Lincoln Center complex. Spanning over 8,000 square feet, this rooftop oasis boasts a West Terrace with a retractable roof cover, a breezy seasonal East Terrace, a sun-kissed seasonal Sun Deck, and an inviting Main Lounge indoors.

Indulge in their signature Empire Sunset cocktail while cheering on your team. The Empire Rooftop Bar’s football event involves showing the game on two big screens with full sound, alongside contests, football pools, prizes and more.

Versa

Conveniently situated in the Garment District with excellent transportation access, Versa proudly boasts the largest retractable rooftop in New York City. The menu, featuring New American cuisine with global flavors, invites you on a culinary journey around the world while providing the warmth of home. Whether you prefer an intimate dining experience in the dining room or the vibrant atmosphere of Versa’s Canopy & Patio, an open-air rooftop, you’re in for a treat. Plus, each evening brings unique cultural programming to enhance your dining experience.

For the big game, Versa is equipped with a jumbo screen, a live DJ, and a photobooth to capture your gameday spirit.

Bar Felice

One of the most refined places to enjoy the big game in NYC, this Upper East Side establishment offers an opulent and lavish setting for football enthusiasts. 

If you’re new to this spot, we highly recommend trying out the sliders accompanied by a bottle of wine – a seemingly straightforward choice that consistently hits the mark. Keep in mind that not all seats provide identical views, so it’s advisable to call ahead and secure a reservation for your game-watching experience to avoid any potential disappointment. 

While it may not fit the conventional mold of a sports bar, this upscale venue still serves as an excellent suggestion for where to relish the game in NYC.

HK Hall

Step into HK Hall, an iconic NYC venue reborn with a fresh ambiance in the vibrant heart of Hell’s Kitchen. Bursting with contemporary amenities, HK Hall is designed to elevate any event. This sophisticated space boasts impressive production capabilities, captivating decor, and top-tier catering services.

The big game event boasts the biggest screen in NYC (18 ft High and 9ft Across Screen), as well as four more big screens on the balcony. Included in the ticket price is an appetizer, entree, and bottomless Mimosas for 90 minutes.

Swingers NoMad

Warm up for a night of sporting action with a round of mini golf with friends before you head out to watch the game. 

Get your competitive energy going by challenging your friends to the Waterwheel, Clocktower, or Windmill course. With curated street food offerings and a range of drinks, you’ll be amped up and fuelled for an evening of cheering on your team.

 

DC Spots to watch the big game

Proper 21 

Continuing the tradition of its forerunners, this venue upholds the contemporary aesthetic and New York flair found in the Manhattan locations, often likened to a blend of “Tom Ford meets Thomas Edison.” Offering cutting-edge audiovisuals for sports, corporate functions, nightlife, and various events, the space is versatile and modern.

Indulge in elevated New American cuisine and drinks, featuring your beloved classics with a contemporary twist. Weekends offer a delightful brunch experience from 11:30 am to 3 pm. Explore handcrafted cocktails, a diverse selection of local beers, and quality wines to enhance your dining and social experience.

Crimson Whisky Bar

Nestled just beneath the primary level, Crimson’s Whiskey Bar exudes the charm of a classic public house, dedicated to highlighting and commemorating the rich history of whiskey in the American South. Boasting 15-foot high ceilings and ample seating for 250 individuals, this warm and welcoming space is the perfect destination for happy hours and evenings out.

Offering an extensive selection of 150 bourbons, alongside craft cocktails, beer, wine, and an array of Southern-inspired culinary delights, the Whiskey Bar provides an excellent setting to gather with friends and enjoy a delightful evening.

Bryant Street Market

Searching for the perfect spot to catch the big game with your friends without the hassle of hosting? Look no further – Bryant Street Market has got you covered! Hit this spot up for their inaugural big game Wing-Off and Watch Party.

Alegria will be dishing out pitchers, buckets, and exclusive game day drink specials, while Bold Dumpling, DokiDoki BBQ, Grassfed Griddle, and Taqueria Habanero go head-to-head to determine who serves the best wings at Bryant Street Market – let your taste buds to be the judge! The pregame party kicks off at 5:30, with the main event starting at 6:30. Following Usher’s halftime show, stay tuned for the Bryant Street Market halftime report, where they’ll reveal the coveted title of their first-ever Wing-Off Champion!

Equinox on 19th

Equinox Restaurant, situated in the bustling K Street corridor, stands as a family-owned and operated gem in the realm of fine dining. Chef Todd Gray, a culinary maestro, has delighted generations of Washingtonians with his exquisite regional seasonal cuisine, a tradition that began when he embarked on his culinary journey in DC in 1989.

The restaurant was founded 25 years ago to offer innovative cuisine while upholding a steadfast commitment to sustainability. The establishment endeavors to strike a harmonious balance between exceptional regional dining experiences and sensible business practices. Chef Todd Gray, Ellen Kassoff, and the entire team remain resolute in their dedication to these principles, ensuring that Equinox Restaurant continues to be a paragon of culinary integrity year after year.

The game day event will involve complementary fritters, a live DJ, and, of course, lots of football!

Swingers Dupont Circle

Not just a treat for New Yorkers, Swingers also has a DC based venue in Dupont Circle. While you can also get your blood pumping with some friendly competition on the courses, our Dupont location will be broadcasting the game, so you can watch live while you’re chilling in the bar pre- or post-golfing.

This spot also has bottomless cocktails on offer.

Check out DC food offerings.

Swingers ~ The crazy golf club

We believe that life is more fun when there is an element of competition, and that competition is best enjoyed with friends.

Swingers, the crazy golf club takes the holy trinity that is crazy golf, street food and amazing cocktails and combines them all into one incredible social experience